How to restore UV Damaged Headlights

Written By: Patrick Abelgas

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 3 hours

Introduction

Over time, a car’s headlights will become foggy or yellow. UV exposure from the sun, road debris, and bulb heat degrade the plastic. A driver’s visibility is significantly reduced and is potentially hazardous to other drivers and pedestrians. This guide can be applied to any headlight made of plastic. A 2007 Nissan Versa is used as a demonstration for the guide.

Before beginning your project, keeping the car in a shaded and well-ventilated area is important. Direct sunlight will negatively affect the clear coat drying time and effectiveness in further steps. Make sure to monitor weather forecasts to avoid working during periods of precipitation.

Tools

Step 1

In a shaded area, apply masking tape on the outer edges of the headlight assembly.

Step 2

Use the spray bottle of soapy water to wet the 800-grit sandpaper.
Spray the sandpaper liberally and make sure it is completely wet.

Step 3

Spray the headlight with soapy water and sand the headlight's surface.
Continuously spray the headlight and the sandpaper with water. The surface must stay wet during sanding.
Sand the headlight in a circular motion throughout this step.
Stop sanding when the entire headlight appears foggy.

Step 4

Spray the 2000-grit sandpaper with soapy water and ensure it is completely wet.
Sand the headlight in a circular motion while maintaining the surface wet with soapy water.
Stop sanding when the headlight appears slightly less cloudy (than in the previous step).

Step 5

Lightly wet a small section of a clean microfiber cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Rub down the entire headlight surface with the microfiber cloth.

Step 6

Carefully peel off the old masking tape.
Use newspaper to cover the car's body using masking tape to hold it down.
Shield any gaps and use newspapers at least a foot long.
The newspaper will protect the car from overspray in the next step.

Step 7

Use a clear coat to spray the headlight.
Follow the clear coat manufacturer's instructions for spraying distance, number of coats, and drying time.
Apply the clear coat in well-ventilated conditions.

Step 8

Apply a small amount of compound to a clean microfiber applicator pad.
Dap the headlight's surface with the compound.
Work the compound into the headlight.
Use heavy pressure and rub in a circular motion when working the compound into the headlight.

Step 9

Wipe the headlight with a clean microfiber cloth.
Apply a small amount of polish onto a new, clean microfiber applicator pad.
Dap the polish onto the headlight, then work the polish onto the headlight.
Use heavy pressure and rub in a circular motion when working the compound into the headlight.